Anambra begins urban renewal project

Awka – THE first phase of Anambra Stateâ€™s urban renewal project has commenced with the flag off of the upgrading of Okpoko slum near the commercial town of Onitsha by Governor Peter Obi.

The project, which is being handled by Consultant Consortium is expected toÂ be completed in four months.

Governor Obi said at the ceremony that the flag-off marked the commencement of the implementation of the recently completed structure plans for Onitsha, Awka and Nnewi which were produced by his administration through the United Nations Habitat and handed over to the state government in May this year.

He said that apart from being the first government to produce a modern master plan in the sub-Saharan Africa, his administration wasÂ the first to construct a road through Okpoko community in addition to rehabilitating and equipping schools in the area, as well as provision of boreholes and VIP toilet facilities.

According to him, the first phase of the project would generate data that will transform the entire Okpoko community and upgrade the quality of life in the area.Â He also said that the state government was collaborating with the Federal government on the implementation of the Sakamori dredging project and will soon commence the reconstruction of failed parts of the Obodokwu road in the area.

He however charged the people to desist from dumping refuse inside drains which he noted has been compounding the environmental problems in the area.

Commissioner for lands, Mr. Peter Afuba said the project demanded the collective efforts of everybody and expressed confidence that the Consortium had the professionals and wherewithal to deliver on the expectation of government and the people, adding that it was designed to comprehensively improve the conditions of the environment, housing facilities, roads, drainages, among others.

He also spoke of the need to give the governor total support to renew his mandate and ensure continuity and completion of all on-going projects.